2/25/2009 7:00 PM

The reactor will remain at approximately 20 percent power to help keep the water temperature in the discharge canal at a level that it does not impact aquatic life.The station has operated at reduced power since Feb. 5 while plant staff evaluated the replacement of a failed transformer.

While the turbine is offline, station personnel will connect a transformer that was recently received at the plant. Oyster Creek uses two transformers to convert the plant's energy output for use on the region's electrical grid.There was no impact on aquatic life in the canal, and Exelon's environmental experts are monitoring the canal for any potential impact due to reduction in power.

Since 2000, AmerGen has invested more than $100 million in the Oyster Creek's systems, components and structures to establish the platform for 20 more years of safe and reliable operations for the Garden State.

Oyster Creek is a 636-megawatt boiling water reactor capable of providing the power needed for about 600,000 homes. The station is located about 50 miles east of Philadelphia and 75 miles south of New York City.